Chapter 12
Charity
I am finally at the highway and I have been walking in the shade of the trees. I hear a car coming and I see that it is close, so I step out on the highway. The car is in the far lane and I turn to face it and the woman inside the car is smiling. I don’t like hitching a ride, but it is what I need to do, so I will take the chance. Right now, the only thing on my mind is to get back to our little community and get my chance to grab Faith. The woman puts the car window down and slows down, so she can talk to me as I am walking. “Hello there! Have you had car trouble or something? I know most people in these parts, but I don’t remember you. I’m Sadie Wilson, but most people call me Mrs. Sadie or just Sadie.” I see the lady sizing me up the same way I am sizing her up.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Sadie. I am just passing through, on my way home. My car broke down up this road. I pulled it into a church parking lot and left a note on it, so they wouldn’t have it towed. My dad owns a tow truck, so he can come and pull it home. This morning, I left my phone at my friend’s house, I was in such a big hurry, so I couldn’t call anyone. I’m on my way to Pittsburg to meet my family in town. We live way out on Couch Mountain.” I try to keep my lies as close to the truth as possible. I don’t like lying and I am not experienced at it nor am I good at it. A church parking lot is believable because in this part of the country there is a church every five miles. “Oh, and I am C.C.”
“Well C.C., Pittsburg is a good forty miles from here and Couch Mountain, about another fifteen miles from there. If you want I can give you a lift to Pittsburg but from there I am going to Mt. Pleasant. Just maybe you’ll see some of your family in Pittsburg or I’ll loan you my phone to call them. Out here phone reception is a hit and miss. Almost everyone out here has landlines still because of the service issues. There’s a country store right up the road here and I will stop and buy us a cold pop if you’ll go in and get them.” We both smile at the same time. Mrs. Sadie is a sweet woman. I know she knows I am lying but she is not going to question me. I like that.
“Sounds like a plan.” I walk around the car and I hear her unlock the doors. Mrs. Sadie doesn’t trust me completely, but I am hoping she warms up to me. She’s sticking her neck out by giving a stranger a ride. How long can it take to go forty miles? I open the back door and put my duffel bag in the back seat and then move to the front door. I open the door and get seated and as soon as I am inside Mrs. Sadie puts her foot down on the gas and I am thrown back in the seat and I am scrambling to get my seat belt snapped. I look at Mrs. Sadie and she is looking at herself in the rearview mirror. She has it cocked sideways so she can see her face and she is dabbing her lips with a Kleenex. I brace myself with hand on the door panel. What have I gotten myself into? I might be the one risking my life.
“I don’t think this color of lipstick works for me. What do you think? The sales lady said it was the popular shade this year. It’s Flentie Beauty. The sales lady said it would light my husband’s fire, but it was more of rolling on the floor laughing.” I look at Mrs. Sadie and I noticed the purple lipstick she was wearing, but who am I to judge? I’m wearing clothes that don’t even belong to me and none of it matches, in the slight bit. Not that I am some fashionista or whatever. Never thought I would ever use that word even just in my thoughts. It makes me smile and relax a little, but I wish the woman would watch where she is driving. Fortunately, there is no traffic around. I was lucky Mrs. Sadie came along.
“I thought it was just purple.” Mrs. Sadie laughs at me.
“Lipstick is never just anything. It’s what gets attention to your face instead of your boobs or derriere. It’s like a good pair of heels. It distracts. Now my husband may have been laughing but as soon as I told him if he didn’t want to find out what this lipstick would look like on his dick later then keep laughing and that shut him right up.” My mouth drops open and I cannot belief this sweet woman just dropped that on me. I start to say something, but I stop. I don’t know anything polite to say to that. “Oh girlie, don’t look so shocked. Surely you know what sex is.” Mrs. Sadie starts laughing louder. “I have shocked you. When a woman gets my age, I get to say anything I want to. It’s my welcome to old age, but I say screw that, I am like a fine wine, I become sweeter to the taste with age.” I still don’t know what to say. “Lighten up girlie. You are way too serious.”
“Alright. The lipstick works for you. It matches your personality.” It’s the only thing I can come up with. This crazy woman has me stunned. I have never heard a woman speak like this before. I see the small store and Mrs. Sadie pulls into the parking area. Mrs. Sadie hands me a twenty- dollar bill.
“Would you get me a cream soda and some chips? Doesn’t matter what kind, I’m not picky. Get you whatever you like. They have some nice deli sandwiches made up. You should try one, honey, you look a little on the skinny side, but with curves. You don’t want to lose those curves, so you need to feed them. Those curves will land you a good husband. We have to use what we are gifted with.” This woman keeps shocking me with the way she talks. It’s like she has no filter at all. I think I could be friends with this woman once I get used to her straightforwardness.
“I’ll do just that. I am not looking for a man to keep but I don’t think there is a woman alive that doesn’t like a little bit of attention as long as it is the good kind and not the bad.” I take the twenty dollars and put my hand on the door handle.
“You do have a good head on your shoulders. This should be an entertaining trip today. Thank goodness, I need the distraction and the second half of this trip is going to be boring except for my surprise.” Mrs. Sadie says with a half laugh. “I am going to shock my dentist with this beautiful lipstick too. We dated back in high school, but the man still has a tight ass on him and he doesn’t wear his jeans up above his waist yet, I hate that crap along with socks and flip flops and fanny packs. Those are signs that show you have given up. This girl has a lot of living yet to do.” She finally takes a break to breath. I have never met a woman that talks so much. “Go on girlie. I have a date to put more images in my spank bank.” I look back at Mrs. Sadie.
“I don’t want to sound like some naïve little girl, but what the heck is a spank back?” Mrs. Sadie’s smile gets bigger.
“Oh honey, to only be young again. My Donald and I have been married for thirty-eight years to say that our martial relation gets slow from time to time is a major understatement. We both have physical limitations. We’re on the more mature side of life. We can’t just screw like bunnies anymore and sometimes a little mental motivation helps, if you know what I mean.” Mrs. Sadie winks at me again and I can feel my face getting red. I am no prude but talking to a stranger, especially a lady that is older than my parents, is not something I am comfortable with. Why did I ask the question?
“Well then, a cream soda and chips. I will get in and out in a flash.” I don’t give her time to say anything else. I take my seat belt off and open the door. I hear her laughter as I walk away from the car and towards the small store. When I open the door, I hear a bell go off. It sounds like a cow bell. I see an elderly man sitting in a chair behind the counter. He looks half asleep. He opens one eye to see who I am but closes it back after he gives me the once over. The place smells clean but everything in here looks old. There is a real wood floors and all the shelves are made of wood and they look like they have seen their better days. I go to the back of the store looking for the drinks and what I find is three refrigerators. I am confused but I step up and open one. This refrigerator and a few gallons of milk, orange juice, eggs and tea. I close the door back and move to the next refrigerator. I open the door and I see different drinks and I find the one I want and the cream soda for Mrs. Sadie. I shut the door back and open the door to the next refrigerator. I find bottles of water and made up sandwiches. I grab one of the sandwiches, it doesn’t matter what kind, I need it, so I have energy to keep moving until I can get to Faith. I hate using someone else’s money, but I just need to swallow my pride and accept the generosity of the sweet woman, a little strange but very kind.” This store may be a little old, but I like it. I don’t feel out of place here and it has character. The man up front could care less if I am dressed in clothes that don’t fit correctly. I don’t feel eyes on me and every move I make. I smile at that thought. Everywhere I have ever gone I have felt watched and ridiculed for how I appear and not for the person I am. My parents always told me that I didn’t fit, not so much in words, but by their actions. My older sister, Hope, was the picture-perfect child. She followed the rules and was friendly to everyone. When the other adults from our community would come and visit she was the first one welcoming the visitors. She always had a smile on her face and she minded her manners. I on the other hand was more interested in just going outside and playing with the other children. Then when Faith was born, I watched over her because when she was younger she had one illness after another. I just never fit in with the plans my parents had for me. Hope was bequeathed before she was sixteen and married to Sam by eighteen. She joined his other three wives. I knew by then that I would not be following in the example Hope had set and my mom before her. I am brought back from my thoughts when I hear the elderly man at the front clear his voice. He is standing now and is right next to one of those old fashion cash registers, it makes me smile. I see the chip display and grab a bag for Mrs. Sadie. I make my way to the front of the store and put everything on the counter. “Good afternoon, sir.”
“You’re not from around here. Who are you? Sadie doesn’t need any trouble and she is too nice for her own good. You just remember, I won’t forget what you look like.” I almost laugh at loud. I look at the older man and I see his eyes are sharp and I don’t doubt for a second that he will remember what I look like, for some reason that makes my stomach tie in knots. I need to leave this man with the impression I am harmless.
“I am C.C. and Mrs. Sadie is giving me a lift, so I can meet my family. My car broke down a way back. You are right too, Mrs. Sadie is a very nice lady and she keeps me laughing. This trip is going to be something to remember.” I try to give off an innocent feeling so maybe this man will relax. “I love this store it is so rustic. These floors are to die for.”
“Uh huh, you can save that hot air for Sadie. You have trouble chasing you, it’s written all over you, but I warn you to not bring it to Sadie’s door. If all you need is a ride, then take it and say thank you when it is over. I will be keeping tabs on Sadie today and when she comes back by here this evening, she better not have any extra worries, or I will hunt you down to the depths of hell and make you pay. Are we clear?” I look at my feet and I feel guilty for taking advantage of Mrs. Sadie.
“Are you a friend of Mrs. Sadie?” The man gets a bag and puts my items in it and then pushes it towards me.
“Not that it is your business, but I know Sadie will answer you when you ask and then she’ll cry, my Millie and Sadie were friends since they were in diapers. Millie past last year. That is why Sadie sent you in here and she didn’t get out. Sadie knows that her money is no good here, so it is no charge, unless you are telling me that the money you are using is yours and not hers. Sadie can’t go by this store without stopping for a cream soda and chips. Sadie and Millie shared a bag of chips every afternoon. Habits are hard to change.” The man hands me the bag.
“Thank you, sir.” I see the harshness leave the man’s eyes.
“I am just protective of that woman. Don’t take what I say to heart, I’m a gruff old man, but I would chase you to hell if you hurt her. You have my word on that.” I smile and turn to leave but turn back.
“I’m glad Mrs. Sadie has you as her friend and you have her, thank you again.” I leave the store and know having a friend like that is out of my reach. A real friend you can always trust and one that has your back even if not asked. I long for this kind of friend or anyone who will worry about me and I know that sounds awful, but I don’t remember anyone besides my parents and sisters caring about me. I thought Brody would be that kind of person for me, but that was something I made up in my head. I reach the car and get inside and before I can get my seat belt on Mrs. Sadie is speeding down the road. I get my seat belt buckled and reach in the bag for Mrs. Sadie’s cream soda and loosen the lid on it and put it in the cup holder between our seats. I open her chips and sit them beside her. I slip the twenty in the cup holder, so she will keep it.
“Go ahead and eat C.C., then we can talk some more. I don’t let any grass grow under my wheels. We will be pulling into Pittsburg in about thirty minutes. I’ll let you use my phone when we are blowing through Leesburg, so you can get in touch with your family.” I am unwrapping my sandwich but do not hesitate when I give my lie to Mrs. Sadie.
“Out on Couch Mountain the cell service is like you said it is here. It’s hit and miss. I can try their landline, but they should be working the garden until it is time for them to meet me in town. My uncle has a place he uses for storage in town and I can go there and wait. I know where he keeps his spare key. If that is alright with you to drop me off there, if not I can walk from the stop light.” Mrs. Sadie looks at me.
“All this time I thought you were feeding me a line of bull hooey, but I guess you have been on the up and up. That will be fine C.C. if the place isn’t too far off the main street. I don’t want to be late for my appointment.” Now, I feel guilty for making this woman believe my lies. I fold the sandwich back up and put it back in the bag with my drink.
“No, it’s not far. It is on an alley right off Davis Street. It used to be where Uncle Hem repaired lawn mowers and other small engines. He shut it down a couple of years ago but couldn’t bear selling it. He and my aunt built the place up from the start and all three of his sons and a couple of nephews worked there growing up. His sons and nephews have moved away. His brother and wife have both passed and it is his way to hang on to the past.” I stop talking. I know oversharing is a red alert. Everything I said is true but the part where Hemric Currey is my uncle. Well, Uncle Hem did insist I call him Uncle Hem. Not related by blood but I tried to help him, and he said one day he would repay me. I never expected for him to repay me for something I did because I cared. I know this is all happening because I have no choice if I want to get to Faith, but it still makes me feel like I am using a friendship. Doesn’t matter now it’s what I am being forced to do. Mrs. Sadie keeps me laughing through her antics all the way to town. I have heard more stories about her love life than I ever wanted to know, but I also have heard of her and her husband, Ed’s, love story. I hung on each word. They didn’t have an easy life, but they stuck together through it all. They fought, raised a family, loved, and survived. I want that, but I don’t think it is in the cards for me. I need to stay focused on getting Faith out of that community and to get us out of Texas. I don’t know if we will ever be able to stop running. Pop and the other men in our community will come after us. I don’t know why after what Pop did with trading me to a motorcycle club, but they will and then there is the Hell Keeperz MC. I have only been half listening to Mrs. Sadie for the last few miles. We hit the city limits and I started getting scared. When the car stops I look up and we are at the stop light in the middle of town. The light turns green and we continue with the traffic.
“Girl, you have been off in your head for the last fifteen or twenty minutes. Do you want to use my phone to try to get in touch with your folks?” I shake my head no. “Are you sure this is what you want to do? You can ride to Mt. Pleasant with me and then go back and stay with me my old man for a few days until your head is straight. I’m sure he could help you with your car. Ed is pretty handy when it has to do with motors.” Mrs. Sadie hasn’t believed a word I have told her, and I am happy about that in some ways but in others it tells me I need to improve on my lying. For what lays ahead of me it is a must do. At least I know Mrs. Sadie isn’t as gullible as I had thought. I already have a soft spot for her and the old timer at the store. That scares me. I need to be stronger.
“Mrs. Sadie, I am fine, and the shop is the next right.” I look at her and try to give her a reassuring smile. “I was just getting sleepy. These comfortable seats and the cool air made me wish I had slept later this morning.”
“Don’t I know that. It is nap time in Sadie land. We get up by five every morning and about this time I am waking up from my nap to start dinner.” Mrs. Sadie laughs and then turns onto the alley. I don’t see Uncle Hem’s truck parked anywhere.
“That’s it right there.” I hear Mrs. Sadie’s intake of air. I know the place looks run down and abandoned, but it is in the middle of town, even if it is in an alley hardly used anymore.
“C.C., I know you are an adult, but I do not feel comfortable leaving you here alone. Are you absolutely sure about this?” I reach over the console and hug Mrs. Sadie and then lean back and grab for the door handle. I half turn back to Mrs. Sadie and give her the best smile I can.
“I’ll be fine Mrs. Sadie, no worries. You need to go so you are not late for your appointment. You need those spank bank visions.” I feel my face getting red, but I don’t let it slow me down. I get out of the car and reach in the backseat for my duffle and get the bag with my sandwich in it in the front floorboard. “Thank you for the ride and the sandwich.”
“Oh sweetheart, you are welcome, and you take care of yourself. I’ll drive back by on my way home to make sure you are not still waiting. I will take you to your parents if you don’t have a ride by then.” I am trying to come up with an excuse, but I see Uncle Hem’s truck coming down the alley way. This is not how I wanted this to play out, but no turning back now. “That’s my Uncle Hem. He’ll give me a lift.”
“Thank goodness. I did not want to leave you here alone. I need to get going then. Take care. If you ever get out to my neck of the woods again, then drop by. I would love to meet your family when you come and pick up your car. Drop in for some iced tea.” Mrs. Sadie hasn’t told me where she lives but I don’t remind her of that.
“If Pop has enough time I will do that. Thank you again but this is Uncle Hem’s parking spot. If he parks anywhere else, he will get a ticket. City ordinances and all.” Mrs. Sadie shaking her head.
“Okay, take care. The “man” is always wanting the working man to give his hard-earned dollars away.” I laugh at that. Mrs. Sadie does quote marks in the air when she says man. I am still shaking my head when I shut the door and Mrs. Sadie is still looking in her rearview mirror and I watch her until she is out of sight. Uncle Hem walks up behind me.
“Why are you here Charity and where have you been? Your Ma and Pop are worried sick over you. They said you run off one night.” Uncle Hem is waiting for me to answer. I have my eyes on our surroundings. I am watching everywhere for who or what I do not know but I don’t want anyone catching me here.
“Uncle Hem, I will answer all your questions, but can we please go inside first? I don’t want anyone seeing me here. That might cause trouble for us both.” Uncle Hem looks me over from top to bottom.
“Let’s get inside.” I follow Uncle Hem inside and I feel much better when the door shuts behind us.
“Can you lock that door? I don’t want to take any chances.” Uncle Hem does as I ask, and he looks out the window, and then he closes the inside shutters, so no one can see in and walks back over to me.
“Charity you need to give me something because I am too damn old for all this cloak and dagger bull.” I take Uncle Hem by the arm and bring him over to chair, so he can sit down.
“I don’t know where to begin.” I start to pace in front of the elderly man who I know I shouldn’t bring into my problems, but it is not like I have a choice. “Ask me questions you want to know and we can go from there.”
“Why did you run away and worry your parents? I know your lifestyle out there on that mountain isn’t the normal type of life, but no parent should have to worry about their child, night after night.” I hope Uncle Hem is ready for my answer.
“I didn’t run away. My pop traded me to the Hell Keeperz MC for some reason and the things they wanted me to do were unimaginable.” That brings Uncle Hem to his feet and he begins to pace.
“What are you talking about girl? I don’t agree with the way the people live in your community but why would Darren and Alice do such a thing? Do you know what you are saying about your parents?” Uncle Hem is as confused about it as I am.
“Uncle Hem, it doesn’t make sense to me either. I was given no heads up about it, but I did overhear the man my pop was making the deal with and the Hell Keeperz wanted Faith. That’s the reason I didn’t argue when they took me away from the community. I was afraid they would take her. Pop lied to the Hell Keeperz MC. He told them I was seventeen.” Yes, I leave the part out about Pop saying I was a virgin. “They also said if Pop lied to them and they found out they would be back and there would be consequences to pay. I need to get Faith out of there before they come back for her.”
“How did you escape from them and what did they want from you? I need specifics.” I pull up a chair and sit down. Uncle Hem sits back down. I didn’t want to go into any of this, but if I am going to get his help he deserves answers.
“They took me to some house and I was locked up with some other women there. They kept us chained up and they drugged us at night. They took the women out one at a time. Only one came back and she was young. She told me they took her to another house and they had cameras set up to video tape her with some older man. The Hell Keeperz were going to use the tape against the man. He refused to have sex with her and they killed him and brought the girl back to be chained up again. Out of all the women that left she is the only one that ever came back.” I stop and look at Uncle Hem and he is taking it all in.
“Get it all out Charity. I need to know the rest.” I take a deep breath and continue.
“One day I was the one they chose to take. I was also taken to another house way out in the country. I don’t know if it was Wood County or Upshur County. When we arrived at the old farmhouse there was a biker from another club there with his friend.” I leave Brody and Rebel’s names out of it and the name of Rebel’s club. No need of me getting myself in more trouble by mentioning something I shouldn’t. “We escaped together. One went out one way and I took another way with the other one. The one I was with found us a cabin to stay in the woods one night and he walked out in one direction and I in the other and then I hitched a ride here with Mrs. Sadie.”
“There are such big holes in that story that I could walk through them. It seems you have come out the other side of a situation that would break most people. You are a strong one, just like I have always told you. Do you think any of these people are tailing you?” Uncle Hem is giving me a way out of telling him everything and for that I am glad.
“I can’t be sure. All I know is if Pop traded me for something of value then the Hell Keeperz are going to come and collect someone in place of me or for whatever they traded. Pop told them I would cooperate.” I haven’t taken the time to process all my thoughts on my Pop, because if I do then that makes me look at the thought of what my Ma thought about me being traded. Denial is the best protection I have right now. Then my mind goes to the others in the community and there it turns bitter. Everyone in our community had to have known I was traded. I mean I was missing. If nothing else, they would have missed me doing the work I was expected to accomplish in a day. The only one I think they would have hidden it from is Faith. We are closer than most sisters. We are also the only friend that each of us have had. I can’t imagine the loneliness that Faith must be feeling right now. I would fight to the death for her and she would do the same for me. It is the only thing in my life that I know for certain.
“Charity do you even know what your parent’s community is all about? I don’t carry tales, so I will only tell you what I have seen with my own eyes.” Uncle Hem looks at me.
“I don’t know everything, but I know a man is only supposed to have one wife legally and that is not how it is up on the mountain. I also know we have a lot of weapons moving in and out and I don’t see how that is normal at all. I also know they have a cabin further up in the mountain that only certain people are allowed at and that there is a marijuana crop that is harvested every year. In my heart I know these things are not how we are supposed to live, but I have witnessed more than one person being dealt with if they speak against it. I also know that a husband does not have the right to beat his wife or their children.” I stop talking and I feel the tears falling down my cheek. I am ashamed of my tears and I wipe them away quickly. Pop says strong people don’t cry. Tears are for the weak. “I also know there is no reason that we spend hours training in self-defense and how to use those weapons. The men of the community say if our defenses are penetrated that we are to defend what is ours, every man, woman, and child.”
“That’s the biggest load of horse shit that I have ever heard. No crop or anything else is worth the life of a loved one.” Uncle Hem gets up from his chair and comes over in front of me and stoops down to my level. “When Darren first brought that group of people up there to settle they were neighborly enough. That is until they were organized, and everything was set up, then they started cutting ties with our town or any town. They became reclusive, only coming into town when they had a delivery at the post office or needed materials. After a while they built that shack up by the road, so they could get things shipped there. Now don’t get me wrong. I do business with your family, but it is more of a barter system. I have an old saw mill out behind my brother’s old house. I inherited it when he passed. The people up in that community use the saw mill. They keep the saws and machinery running, and they have repaired the buildings out there. In return I can come up to the mountain and get fresh vegetables, farm animals if I need them, and the homemade quilts, honey, jams and jellies. I live alone now and have no woman to do those things for me. I wasn’t using the saw mill and it would have fallen in on itself if your folks hadn’t asked about trading out their use of it. It has been a good arrangement for both sides.” Uncle Hem gets back up and I see his eyes cringe when he stands up straight. “The weapons and drugs are illegal as hell. That’s why they don’t want anyone on their property. They aren’t like the regular drug dealers around here. This is a small town, but they are shipping them out to places unknown. The way the men are married to more than one woman is illegal, but so is the way they treat all of you out there. They are afraid that the law is going to come knocking on their doors and if the people out their fight the law then, they are either going to jail or hell. You can bet your bottom dollar that the men in charge will be high tailing it out of there when the fighting starts.” I knew there were things I was not privy to, but I can’t even wrap my mind around everything Uncle Hem is telling me. How naïve am I? This makes my heart hurt. I know I need to get Faith out of there as fast as I can.
“I need to borrow some things, so I can get Faith out of there. You are the only person I can turn to, but I don’t like dragging you into this.
“I will loan you what you need, but I don’t think I have it in me to go galivanting around that damn mountain. I wish I could turn back the hands and I would be right there with you, but it is hard for me just to get in and out of my truck.” Uncle Hem sounds sad. I would never allow him to get involved in this except for loaning me some things.
“Uncle Hem, I would never ask you to put yourself in the danger I’m going into. If I am caught, I will either be sent back to the Hell Keeperz MC or be dealt with punishment from the community.” I can’t be caught. Faith needs out of that place before they break her like they tried to with me.
“Tell me what you need from me and I want to know your entire plan. I may be long in the tooth but there is nothing wrong with my brain. Maybe if you tell me the plan out loud either you or I will catch something. There’s no room for mistakes in this if you go back home.” Uncle Hem is right.
“I know a back way into the property. It doesn’t have any security cameras there or any of their traps. I would need a four-wheeler or four-wheel drive to get up that trail. It would need to be a small four-wheel drive because the passage is narrow. I could drive in so far, but I need to get there before dark. They watch for lights on the property. I could hide the vehicle I go in with in the brush piles. There is a cave close to there that Faith should have been checking. I told her if I ever left for any reason that I would come back there to get her. I’ve been gone for a while, so I don’t know if she will still be checking but I know where she works every day, so I can find her easily. We have some things in the cave. A few clothes and the money we have managed to hide. The only other part of the plan I have figured out is getting the hell out of there and putting miles between us and them. We have no identification or anything, so I don’t know how we will survive but we will figure it out. I know this is a lot to ask but do you” I don’t get to finish the sentence.
“I am going to do better than that. Did your parents ever tell you what my business once was? Not this shop here, this was more of a hobby.” I look at Uncle Hem, but I don’t know if I can take any more surprises. I shake my head no. “My family were moonshiners back in the day and I carried on that tradition. Back when I was growing up alcohol was frowned upon and until just a few years ago this county was dry. That means no alcohol was sold here. Now back in my Pappy’s day they had the stills that they operated and made a damn good living. I still dabble in the moonshine business but in small quantities. I began making trips across the county lines and buying alcohol and bringing it back to Camp County and then the old timers could come by and pick up what they wanted so they didn’t need to go fifty miles to buy it. I made a good profit but then the laws changed, and now we can buy beer or wine at every store in town, but I have my moonshine running jeep stored out on my land. I keep everything up on it current and it has a new motor in it. I think it might work for you. I pulled the back seats out and it is like the bed of a truck back there but with a cover. I also have a nephew who lives in New Orleans that has a restaurant with some rooms over it that he rents out. I can call him and see if he can help you out by paying you under the table. I’m sure that Levi might be able to hook you up with some people in New Orleans.” I am surprised by all of it. Every single thing he has told me. “If New Orleans doesn’t sound like the direction you want to go then my youngest boy lives in the Dallas area. He knows some of the BlackPath MC. I know you may be a little cautious about being around a club right now, but Bubba thinks they are good people. Bubba has always been a good judge of character and he owns a mechanics shop. I know he would pay you under the table for a few months. He works on older vehicles. He restores and overhauls them. He likes muscle cars.” Uncle Hem reaches over and picks up my hand and puts it in his big hand and squeezes softly. This is a lot of decisions to make. “I know I have seen you doing maintenance on the vehicles out in your community, but if that is not your thing then there is my oldest son, Paul, he lives in Ft. Worth and he owns warehouses, small apartment complexes, storage facilities, car washes and laundry mats. He buys them and improves on them and then flips them for a profit. You think about it and when we have everything set for you to make your way to the mountain you can let me know which way you want to go. This will give you a little bit of a head start and time to put away some money for wherever you decide to go. Just let me help while I still can. I don’t have many days left on this earth and it would put my mind at ease that I know you and your sister are in good hands.”
“How long can I borrow the jeep for? I don’t want to get too far away, and you need it. I can’t ask you to do that.” I am trying to sort this out one thing at a time.
“I want to give the jeep to you and Faith. I know that girl has asthma and the humidity at this time of year can be hard. Neither of you need to be hitching rides either. It is not safe.” I start to tell him no, but he raises his hand. “Don’t argue with me Charity. I am not using the damn thing. I haven’t in a while. It’s in top running order and it is full of gas. I need to clean the inside out and then pack some things in it for you and Faith. One day, when you can, then you can help someone out the way I want to help you. Then we will be even.” I feel the tears start again. I don’t like taking handouts from people, but I don’t have a choice if I want my sister out of that pace and safe. I stand up and move closer to Uncle Hem and give him the biggest hug.
“Thank you, Uncle Hem. I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay you, but I am in no position to refuse your generosity.” I say and hope he can understand what I am saying through the tears.
“Okay girl. Dry your tears and quit the blubbering we have work to do. What do you think you are going to need? Never mind, I’ll wing it and stop by the house and pick you up some food. Do you want to come to the house and shower and maybe get a nap in while I work my magic?” The shower and nap sound like a promising idea.
“That sounds great. I think that Faith and I should head to the Dallas area instead of New Orleans. I need to find a way to get us both a birth certificate and then social security cards, so we don’t need to work under the table all the time. I just don’t know how to do that without my parents finding out. I also need to find out how to get Faith into school. She only has the rest of this year to complete if she has kept up since I have been gone.” I know there must be a way, but I need to get some rest that way my mind will unjumble and then I can figure this out.
“Do you trust me, Charity?” Uncle Hem asks me. That’s a silly question if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here, even if I didn’t realize it at first. I shake my head telling him yes. “Then relax. I will help any way I can. I will call my sons and make the arrangements. Stay at the house until early morning and then drive in right at sun break. That way you don’t need the head lights and can go in without unwanted eyes on you. You are only going to get one chance at this and you need every advantage that you can get. I’ll load the jeep and keep watch and do not under any circumstance get up and go wandering around my property outside. The house is safe, but my yard is rigged for intruders and I do not want you getting caught in any of my traps. Just shower, eat, and sleep. I will wake you when it is time to leave. Can you do that for me girl?” I feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders and for the first time in a while I can take a deep breath. I think with Uncle Hem’s help I can get Faith out there.
“Thank you, that is exactly what I will do, and I will never be able to thank you enough.” I want this to go smoothly and now I have the help that I need to achieve my goal. “Let’s do it.”